Radiator



Get. 20, 1936. R. o. BRUNST 2,058,057

RADIATOR Filed May 8, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 20, 1936 UNlTED ,sTATEs RADIATOR Rudolph O. Brunst, Rocky River, Ohio, assignor to The Hohlfelder Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application May 8, 1931, Serial No. 535,888

12 Claims.

This invention relating as indicated to radiators has particular reference to a form of radiator construction in which a plurality of relatively thin metallic sheets or plates pro.- vided with central apertures are assembled with spacer or gasket means between adjacent faces thereby providing a passageway for a temperature modifying medium and. a plurality of radiating fins projecting laterally therefrom.

The primary distinction between this type of construction and constructions now commonly employed is that the radiating fins which provide the increased radiating area for the heat exchanging device, instead'of being attached or mounted .on the outer walls of a conduit, extend into the conduit so that atleast a portion of the fins are in direct communication with the temperature modifying medium employed. This form of constructionhas well recognized advantages over the old types of construction which are so well known that a repetition thereof is believed unnecessary. One of the chief reasons for the fact that this most efficient form of construction has not been universally adopted heretofore is the fact that considerable difficulty has been encountered in assembling such laminated construction so as to be free from objectionable leaks. i

It is, therefore, one of the objects of my invention to provide a form of laminated radiator construction which may be readily assembled and maintained in assembled form without the occurrence of any leaks during its use.

-It is, well recognized in the art of radiator construction that a certain control over the passage of the temperature modifying medium flow? ing therethrough' soas to force such medium to flow in a defined manner materially adds to the efiiciency of the device. a i

A further reason for the inefficient operation of radiators as heretofore constructed has been the fact that the temperature modifying medium in such radiator or flowing therethrough has occurred in areas of relatively large crossr sectional area so that while the portion of such medium in contact with the walls of the radiator might give up considerable portions of heat, nevertheless the thread of the stream may contain large quantities of heat not liberated due to the fact that no intimate contact is had with the radiator structure designed to dissipate such heat.

The problem of bringing the temperature modifying medium on the interior ofthe radiator into intimate contact with the =wa1ls so as to enable an efiicient heat transfer is only a solution of half the problem presented in radiator construction. Not only must there be an efficient interchange of heat between the temperature modifying medium and the physical structure of the radiator but there must be an equal efiiciency in the heat interchange between the surrounding atmosphere and the radiator. By providing a circuitous passageway by means of vanes, deflectors, shields and the like in the form of construction comprising my invention, I provide for an efficient interchange of heat between the physical structure of the radiator and the surrounding atmosphere.

In order to makeavailable for general usage a radiator having the above nameddesirable characteristics, it is necessary that a method of manufacture and assembly be provided so as to reduce this cost to a minimum and further insure the production of a durable and efficient apparatus. It is among the objects of myinvention to provide a form of radiator construction which shall have all of the above identified desirable characteristics. Other objects of my invention will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims.

The annexed drawings and the following description set forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosedmeans constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be usedf In said annexed drawings:.

Fig. 1 is a broken elevational view of one form of radiator constructed in accordance with the principles comprising my invention; Fig. 2 isa plan view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a fragmentary transverse sectional View of the structure illustrated in the previous figures taken on a plane substantially indicated by the line 3-3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a View similar to Fig. 3 showing an alternative form of construction; Fig. 5 is a plan view of one of the elements employed in the construction of the apparatusillustrated in the previous figures; Fig. 6 is a plan view similar to Fig. 5 showing an alternative form of construction of such element; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a spacer or gasket element employed in the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 4 to space the elements illustrated in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a perspective View of an element similar to Fig. 7 but designed to be employed as a spacer or gasket member in connection with elements such as illustrated in Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the element illustrated in Fig. 6 taken on a plane substantially indicated by the line 9--9; Fig. 10 is a plan View of a header member adapted to be employed in association with elements such as are illustrated in Figs. 6 and 8; and Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the header member illustrated in Fig. 10.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings and more especially to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the form of radiator constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention consists of a plurality of relatively thin metallic sheets or fins I which, as most clearly illustrated in Fig. 5, have longitudinally extending re-bent edges 2 and intermediate ribs 3 for the purpose hereinafter more fully explained. Each of the elements I is provided with a central aperture 4 which has projections 5 extending thereinto. The members I are likewise provided with apertures 6 preferably in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the aperture 4 and apertures I which are in substantial alignment with the transverse axis of the aperture 4 and positioned in the projections 5 extending into such aperture 4.

Spacer or gasket members 8 such as most clearly illustrated in Fig. '7 are employed to maintain the elements I in suitable spaced relation and further, to provide a fluid tight connection therebetween. This spacer member 8 is provided with inwardly projecting portions 9 arranged to overly the area 5 in the element I inwardly of the apertures 'I. The terminals of the spacer member 8 may be provided with substantially semi-circular recesses designed to partially encompass the apertures 6 in the elements I.

Header members II of suitable cross-sectional form and substantially thicker and more rigid than the members I are provided and as most clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 have threaded apertures I2 formed therein for the purpose of receiving a conduit for introducing or delivering the temperature modifying medium to and from the radiator.

The above described component elements are assembled in the manner most clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, that is, the header members I2 being provided with apertures for bolts, such bolts I3 are passed therethrough and then the thin elements I and the spacing elements 8 positioned thereon in alternate relation. Due to a number of reasons not necessary to be explained at this point, it has been found that when the members I and 8 are positioned on the bolts I3 preparatory to assembling the radiator, such members must be compressed and in being so compressed will compact axially of the bolts I3. This means, therefore, that the fins and spacers required to produce a complete radiator may not be placed on the bolts without pressure being exerted thereon and to facilitate this assembly step, I propose to employ at least one fin member such as I4 illustrated in Fig. 3, which has the apertures 6 formed to substantially the exact outside diameter of the bolts I3. The apertures 6 in the other members I will be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the bolt. When the fins and spacers are stacked on the bolts,- the member I4 having a pair of smaller holes 6 will serve as a guiding means for the bolts and greatly facilitate the assembly operation.

ifter the fin members and spacers have been Suitably compressed, then the several elements are maintained in assembled relation by nuts such as I5 screwed onto the ends of the bolts I3. The radiator produced in the above described fashion will then resemble the structure most clearly illustrated in Fig. 1, that is, the re-bent edges 2 will. all be preferably directed in the same direction; and similarly the ridges or ribs 3.

In the construction illustrated in Fig. 3, the fin members I are formed so. that the aperture 4 is somewhat less in lateral extent than the aperture in the spacer members 8 so that the fins will project for at least a short distance into the cavity containing the temperature modifying medium so that a greater area of such fins is in intimate contact with such temperature modifying medium and the efiiciency of the radiator is accordingly increased.

A somewhat different form of fin construction such as is illustrated in Fig. 4 may be employed. In this figure the fins I have axially extending flanges I6 formed integrally therewith around the apertures 4 for a dual purpose. First, these flanges serve as means for positioning the spacer members 8 relatively thereto and to the bolts I3 preliminarily to and during the assembly operation so that when the fins and spacer members are pressed together, the elements will be main-- tained in proper alignment. This re-bent edge or flange I 6 associated with each of the fin members likewise materially assists in producing a fluid tight connection between the fins and spacer members; second, the formation of the flanges I 6 provides a greater area of each fin which is in intimate contact with the temperature modifying medium in the cavity in the radiator for arr obvious increase in efficiency. If the flanges I6 are to be employed only for the purpose of assisting in positioning the fins and spacers relatively to each other, such as flanges need not extend entirely around the apertures 4 in the fin members I but may be formed only at the longitudinal extremities of such apertures.

It will be noted from the above described construction that due to the fact that apertures for the temperature modifying medium are provided in the headers I I at opposite ends of the radiator, the temperature modifying medium will flow through the radiator in more or less of a direct passage but it is to be understood that should the inwardly directed projections 5 be extended sufficiently so as to meet and by providing a solid header at one end of the radiator and a header at the other end having two apertures, namely, inlet and outlet, the temperature modifying medium may be made to flow in one direction on one side of the projections 5 and in the return direction on the other side thereof.

A somewhat different form of construction, that is, one in which the temperature modifying medium takes two separate paths through the radiator is illustrated in Figs. 6 to 11. In this form of construction, the fins II are provided with two independent apertures IB and I9 and when this form of construction is employed, spacers 20 such as most clearly illustrated in Fig. 8, will be employed to maintain the elements I! in proper spaced assembled relation. Bolt holes 2| are provided on opposite sides of each of the apertures I8 and I9 so that the fins, spacer elements and header members may be assembled in a manner which is believed to be so apparent that a complete assembly of this alternative form of construction has not been illustrated.

Header members I'Ia which are designed to be I 22 so that when the bolts for 'assemblying the radiator which pass through the apertures 26 in the headers are tightened down, there will be no possibility of failure of the headers; The headers Ila likewise may have bosses such as 21 formed integrally therewith which have apertures 28'formed therein. These bosses will serve as anchor means for bolts or the like which will be employed for supporting the radiator from a wall or the like. This form of construction lends itself admirably to be employed as a radiator in automobiles and the like and the bosses 21, therefore, provide means for anchoring and supporting the radiator so that no supporting shell for such purpose needbe provided around the fin construction. I

' Inasmuch as the direction of air flow through the radiator constructed by employing elements such as those illustrated in Fig. 6 is usually transversely of the longitudinal extent of such memhers, I have provided a plurality of struck-up baffles 29 in the members I1, the form and function of which is most clearly illustrated in Fig. 9.

The struck-up portions 29 are preferably directed toward each other so that air flow from left to right as illustrated in this figure will be deflected laterally by such projection through the aperture in the next adjacent fin and then brought back between the radiator structure and the atmosphere One reason for the relatively high cost of laminated radiators as heretofore constructed has been the cost of manufacture of the spacer ele ments due to the fact that such elem'en'ts'have been made from stampings and accordingly, a considerable amount of scrap material was produced. I Y The hereinbefore described forms of radiator construction have numerous advantages which may briefly be summarized as follows:

Referring first more specifically to the form of construction illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, it will be noted that I have provided inwardly directed projections in the radiating members I so that thebolts I3 by means of which the elements are maintained in assembled relation may occupy a position substantially in line with the sides of the apertures 4 so that the compressing effect of such bolts will not tend to produce a bending in the assembled elements which has heretofore been one of the sources of leaks but will transmit its force directly to the contacting faces between the fins and spacer 4 members so as to effectively produce a fluid tight connection between the several elements. The provision of recesses ill in the end of the spacer members 8 which enable such spacers to at least partially encompass the bolts, likewise produces a similar advantageous result in that the pressure exertedby the bolts is brought to bear di-.

rectly on the bearing faces of the adjacent spacers :and fin members. By the employment of this arrangement of fin members and spacers with the bolts in the position illustrated in these figures, a laminated radiator construction is made possible which will not leak during use.

By having the fin members project for at least a short distance into the cavity filled by the temperature modifying medium, a greater area of such fins is in intimate contact with such medium so that a. more rapid and efiicient transfer of heat,

one from the other, may be effected. This extension of the fins into the'cavity of the radiator enables me to employ a bimetallic fin construction, that is, one in which the body of the fin may be made of steel or like material having a coating such as copper or similar metal of high heat conductivity thereon. If the fins were to' terminate flush with the inner edges of' the spacers, then such coating of heat conducting material on the fins would only be exposed to the temperature modifying medium in a very minute area. By

extending the fins into the cavity, however, this area is many times increased and I am thereby enabled to fully appreciate the employment of this particular type of material. However, whether a bimetalic fin structure is employed or whether the fins be made of solid copper, steel or any other suitable material, the inward projection of the fins into the fluid cavity produces an increased efficiency in the heat transfer.

Substantially the same increased efliciency in heat transfer, as above described, is produced by the form of construction illustrated in Fig. 4 where the fins, instead of projecting into the cavity, occupied by the temperature medium, are provided with axially extending flanges which produce the same above named desirable increase in efficiency without a material reduction in the cross-sectional area of the passageway for the temperature modifying medium and without materially interfering with the fiow of such material or medium through the radiator.

The provision of re-bent edges 2 on the ends of the fins produces a desirable result in that the "airflow through the radiator is confined to well defined passageways so that the passage of the air will create a sufiicient turbulence to scrub the radiating surface of the fins free of the adhering dead air film which, as is' well known to those familiar with the art, is very deleterious to the efficient operation of any heat exchange apparatus.

The other hereinbefore named features of construction of the radiators comprising my invention and the method of forming the same are believed to be so apparent from this description to those familiar with the art that a further enumeration of such advantages is believed to be unnecessary.

Other modes of applying the principles of my invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the means and the steps herein disclosed, provided those stated by any of the following claims or their equivalent be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:-

1. In a heat exchange apparatus, the combination of a plurality of spaced sheets of thermal conductivity, elongated centrally constricted apertures in said sheets, spacer means between said sheets, and means for maintaining said sheets and spacers in assembled relation.

2. In a heat exchange apparatus, the combination of a plurality of spaced sheets of thermal conductivity, elongated centrally constricted apertures in said sheets, spacer means between said sheets, and means for maintaining said sheets and spacers in assembled relation, said means including bolts passing through said sheets adjacent the constricted areas of said apertures.

3. In a heat exchange apparatus, the combination of a plurality of spaced sheets of thermal conductivity, elongated centrally constricted apertures in said sheets, spacer means between said sheets, and means for maintaining said sheets and spacers in assembled relation, said means including bolts passing through said sheets adjacent the constricted areas of said apertures and said spacer members at least partially encompassing some of said bolts.

4. In a heat exchange apparatus, the combination of a plurality of plates of thermal conductivity, apertures in said plates for the passage of temperature modifying medium therethrough, said apertures centrally constricted, bolt holes in said plates adjacent the constricted areas of said apertures, spacers between said plates, and bolt means in said holes for maintaining said plates and spacers in assembled relation.

5. In a heat exchange apparatus, the combination of a plurality of spaced plates of thermal conductivity, spacer members between said plates, single axially aligned apertures in said plates within said spacers and having an area less than the confines of said spacers to provide inwardly extending marginal fins in the cavity provided by said plates and spacers, and means for maintaining said plates and spacers in assembled relation.

6. In a heat exchange apparatus, the combination of a plurality of spaced plates of thermal conductivity, spacer members between said plates, apertures in said plates within said spacers, laterally projecting flanges on said plates about said apertures, and means for maintaining said plates and spacers in assembled relation.

'7. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of spaced plates of thermal conductivity, spacer members between said plates, apertures in said plates in the areas confined by said spacers, flanges on said plates adjacent said apertures engaging said spacers, and means for maintaining said spacers and plates in assembled relation.

8. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of spaced apertured plates of thermal conductivity, spacer members between said plates, bolts for maintaining said spacers and plates in assembled relation, and apertures in said plates for said bolts, the apertures in most of said plates being slightly larger than said bolts and the apertures in at least one of said plates being substantially equal to the diameter of said bolts.

9. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of spaced apertured plates of thermal conductivity, spacer members between adjacent plates and engaging the same about said apertures, means for maintaining said plates and spacers in assembled relation, and means on said plates comprising opposed struck-up portions on each said plates.

10. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of spaced apertured plates of thermal conductivity, spacer members between adjacent plates and engaging the same about said apertures, means for maintaining said plates and spacers in assembled relation, and means on said plates comprising opposed struck-up portions on each said plates, such struck-up portions on adjacent plates being in alignment substantially normal to the faces of said plates.

11. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of plates of thermal conductivity, a plurality of spaced apertures in said plates for the passage of a tem perature modifying medium, spacers between adjacent plates respectively encompassing said apertures, and means for maintaining said plates and spacers in assembled relation.

12. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a plurality of plates of thermal conductivity, spaced apertures in said plates for the passage of a temperature modifying medium, spacers between said plates respectively encompassing said apertures, headers adjacent the end plates of said assembly, said headers having a branched passage in communication with said apertures in said plates, and means for maintaining said plates, spacers, and headers in assembled relation.

RUDOLPH O. BRUNS'I'. 

